Adobe Illustrator: stage 2
Course Code: VG490
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Practise and explore advanced Adobe Illustrator techniques for design and illustration. Develop your designs and illustrations using the more advanced features of Illustrator. This course is aimed at more experienced users and offers you the opportunity to extend your design and illustration techniques and streamline your workflow. Through practical exercises you will learn to use the program more intuitively, with greater accuracy and creativity.
To participate on this course you will need access to the latest version of Adobe® Creative Cloud Illustrator, which is what will be used to teach this course. As a City Lit student, you may be entitled to student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Please visit the Adobe website Creative Cloud for education webpage for full details.
What will we cover?
• Using layers and guides for greater accuracy
• Working with effects and the Appearance panel
• Uses and limitations of effects
• Applying 3D effects
• The Pathfinder panel
• Creating and editing patterns
• Creating Brushes in detail
• Converting raster images to vector artwork using Image Trace
• Using Live paint tools
• Modifying Mesh objects
• Masking in detail
• Creating your own symbols
• Modifying symbol instances
• Mapping artwork to 3D effects
• Setting up folded items for print
• Saving for print and web formats.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Draw and design using advanced Illustrator CC techniques
• Create complex shapes easily
• Create and edit symbols
• Use the Appearance panel
• Use Illustrator tools to create 3D effects
• Prepare artwork for commercial print
• Export artwork in different web formats.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is not a beginners' course. You should have completed the Illustrator: stage 1 or have an equivalent working knowledge of the software. Students should be confident and competent computer users on a Mac or Windows PC and be proficient with a mouse and keyboard in either a creative software, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or equivalent and should be able to download, upload, save, open and retrieve files and use drop down menus.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, tutorials, group and individual assistance.
Student preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
To participate on this course you will need access to the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud. As a City Lit student, you may be entitled to student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Please visit the Adobe website Creative Cloud for education webpage for full details.
You will need to create an Adobe account using your City Lit email address which includes your student number. (This is in the format 123456@student.citylit.ac.uk). You can access your City Lit email through your supplied Office 365 account.
Please check the suitability of your computer system here: Adobe system requirements Adobe Creative Cloud for Students - system requirements
*Please note that your Adobe account is not accessible to City Lit and no technical support can be provided. At renewal, you will need to create another Adobe account using your personal email.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please click here to view our courses in the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Gita’s practice as a graphic designer and illustrator spans many years and disciplines within the field. She has worked in print and screen-based media across major broadcast, corporate, NGO, publishing and state sectors. Gita went digital in 1991. She brings her experience and knowledge to teaching Adobe Creative Cloud apps for design and Illustration in different departments within Visual Arts at City Lit. She started teaching evening and weekend courses at City Lit in 2006, having previously provided bespoke workplace-training for companies and organisations. Her classes are regarded as fun, friendly and challenging, with extensive resources for both in-and-after course study.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
